Focus On: Skid-Steer Loaders

Put down the shovel and get into the driver's seat of a skid-steer loader. You can make routine landscaping jobs effortless with machines that haul, load, transport and much more.

The compact design of the 731 skid-steer loader from Belle Group allows the machine to maneuver through small doorways, narrow passages or low heights. Stylish instrumentation is well positioned in the cab interior to assist operator performance. The cab design provides comfort with a strong, supportive seat. The open design enhances visibility critical for all types of environments.

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Bobcat Co. introduces the S300 skid-steer loader, designed to handle jobs in construction, landscaping, nursery, masonry and other jobs that require strength and lifting ability. This product has a rated operating capacity of 3,000 pounds and, with a forward reach of 34 inches and a lift height of 10.5 feet, it's easy to load and unload. An 81-hp turbo-charged, liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engine powers the loader. A high-flow package allows the skid-steer loader to operate attachments, including the chipper, planer, Brushcat rotary cutter, stump grinder and wheel saw.

The Case XT family of skid steers has three new models — the 40XT, 60XT and 70XT, plus an enhanced series of the 75XT, 85XT, 90XT and 95XT. Building on the durable unitized chassis, the XT line ranges from 60 to 85 hp with lift capacities from 1,500 to 3,650 pounds with counterweight. An optional automatic engine shutdown system helps to prevent major component damage and lowers total cost of ownership. More than 75 attachments are available for the XT skid steers, including augers, brooms, backhoes, stump grinders, landscape rakes and more.

The Caterpillar 232 and 242 skid-steer loaders have a unique linkage that provides a lift height of more than 9 feet 11 inches and a reach of 30 inches at a bucket angle of 45 degrees. The expanded height and reach, combined with rated capacities of 1,750 pounds for the 232 and 1,900 pounds for the 242, make the skid-steer loaders a suitable fit for the construction site. The vertical lift loaders also make easier work of loading both bulk and palletized materials. Both products offer low-effort pilot-operated hydraulics, anti-stall features and convenient service checkpoints.

Daewoo Heavy Industries America Corp. introduces upgraded models of its line of compact equipment. The line includes skid-steer loader models 602Plus, 702Plus, 802Plus and 902Plus. The 602Plus and 802Plus machines are radial lift with 1,450 and 1,950 pounds operating capacity, respectively. The 702Plus and 902Plus are vertical lift machines with 1,850 and 2,250 pounds operating capacity, respectively.

An extension of the full-sized skid-steer loaders, the 35.5-inch wide Finn Eagle compact skid-steer machine can get into smaller spaces and delivers the same power down to the tools as the larger machines. The machine has more than 40 available attachments and offers a quick connect for attachments using a hydraulic motor such as a rotary broom. Smooth controls eliminate jolting and jerking, and the machine is designed so that engine heat is channeled away from the operator. Besides saving time, the machine reduces strain on users who can use it for heavy lifting or moving plants.

Gehl has expanded its popular “35-Series” skid-loader line with the addition of two mid-sized models. The Model 4635 has a standard 44-hp oil-cooled Deutz diesel engine with a 57-hp turbo-charged version available. This unit has an SAE rated lift capacity of 1,425 pounds and rides on a 37-inch wheelbase. The Model 4835 has the 57-hp turbo diesel, a lift capacity of 1,625 pounds and a 41-inch wheelbase.

The Rops/Fops canopy on the Hyundai CE HSL610 is designed for operator comfort, safety and visibility to maximize productivity. Wide entrance of operator compartment, handles and non-slip foot steps provide operator convenience. It runs on a Yanmar engine, which offers greater torque rise and more horsepower with the same fuel consumption. The company installs gauges and monitor separately at the eye level of the operator.

The new 190 and 1110 Robot skid-steer loaders from JCB replace the previous 185 and 1105 Robots with increased operating capacities. The 190 skid-steer loader has an operating capacity of 1,985 pounds, and the 1110 skid-steer loader has a rated operating capacity of 2,426 pounds. The loaders have a single loader arm mounted in a low level, single tower on the right hand side of the machine. The single tower design allows access from both the rear and side of the machine for routine maintenance.

John Deere's new Series II skid steers have undergone more than 100 improvements to maximize reliability and value. A vertical lift boom rises along a near-true vertical path that reaches out at the top of the lift cycle. A steep 45-degree dump angle sheds wet or sticky material with ease, and the machines have a unified design that maximizes hydraulics, lift capabilities and pushing force. Safety features include a 360-degree view, an in-cab boom lock that allows for a safer exit under raised arms and a control system that keeps the machine traveling in a straight line when one handle is released.

Kanga's new KK216 Kid Loader is compact and powerful. It has a 16-hp Honda Vee Twin Electric start engine and powerful wheel motors. The loader has a fuel capacity of 8.3 liters and ground clearance from 1 to 6 inches. The product is available with turf or lug tires.

The SK714-5 from Komatsu offers low-effort, proportional pressure control joysticks that operate travel and loader operations. Komatsu's smooth and precise HydrauMind system lets the operator feel the performance of the machine. A universal quick coupler enables common attachments to be changed quickly and with little effort. The standard top and rear shatter-resistant windows, large side screen area as well as view of the bucket, cutting edge and corners give the operator 360 degrees of jobsite visibility.

Mustang Mfg. introduces two new larger models to its line of skid-steer loaders. Mustang's 2095 and 2105 models have a lift height of 142 inches and lift weights of 3,150 (2095) and 3,600 (2105) pounds. The 2095 has a 90-hp direct-injected Yanmar turbo-charged diesel engine, and the 2105 has a powerful 110-hp direct-injected Yanmar turbo-charged diesel engine. A 2-speed transmission, allowing travel speeds of up to 14 mph, is standard on the 2105 and optional on the 2095.

The New Holland Construction LS Series of skid steers includes eight models with powerful Linimar and New Holland engines and range from 16.5 to 83 gross hp with lift capacities from 600 to 2,800 pounds. The skid steers are designed with a low center of gravity and a long wheelbase to provide better stability, more lift and load-carrying capacity and a smoother ride. The cab has low-effort self-neutralizing hand controls and responsive foot controls for optimum efficiency and comfort. Additional features include boom locks, which the company pioneered on its first skid steers more than 25 years ago.

The versatile and innovative 950T Taskmaster is the workhorse of the Ramrod lineup. Wide 10-inch tires are standard, which cover the ground easily with minimum impact to the surface. The patent-pending drive system offers up to 50 percent more digging power. Swing-away fuel and oil tanks along with removable side panels make servicing the machine easy.

The new Model 255 skid-steer loader from Thomas offers more than 7,000 pounds of breakout force and a rated lift capacity of 2,500 pounds. Power is provided by a Kubota turbo-charged diesel that produces more than 87.4 hp. This product has a wide 48.75-inch wheelbase and travel speeds up to 12.3 mph. For high performance attachment operation, an optional high flow hydraulic system is available.

Toro introduces the new Dingo 323 compact utility loader featuring Toro's exclusive 4-Paw independent 4-wheel-drive system. This system directs hydraulic flow and pressure to all four wheels, ensuring optimum power and traction regardless of soil conditions. The Toro Dingo 323 is powered by a 23-hp air-cooled Kohler engine and has a durable resin hood to protect engine components from dirt and debris damage. A flow divider permits operators to direct the amount of power to the loader arms, wheels and attachment hydraulic circuit to meet the needs of each application.

With its diesel engine, which produces 45 net hp and 1,500 pounds of lift capacity, the Patriot 1545 skid-steer loader from Town & Country takes on the toughest of jobs. Its traditional design has all-steel construction and industry-standard components for long life and dependability. The hand drive controls with foot pedals provide maneuverability.

The Volvo skid-steer loader line includes five models — the MC60, MC70, MC80, MC90 and MC110. Engine horsepower ratings and operating capacities range from 49.5 to 86 hp and 1,350 to 2,300 pounds. The design has a one-piece mainframe and heavy-duty endless drive chain; it has a height-to-hinge pin clearance for easy truck loading, high ground clearance for maneuvering over rough terrain and two double-acting bucket cylinders with hardened, chrome-plated rods for ample breakout force. All models provide high lifting capacity for heavy loads and a hydraulic detent allows the loader arm to float for leveling, backfilling, grading and contouring to speed-up site preparation.